City of Bismarck Public Works Wastewater Superintendent Travis Carufel was named Operator of the Year for outstanding water and wastewater treatment facility management earlier this month at the 2022 North Dakota Water and Pollution Control Conference.
“What that award tells me is that I have a good crew,” said Carufel. “Our plant has met all inspections, taken on a lot of projects and bettered the operation.”
Wastewater operation is challenging because it combines the need for a proactive approach while needing to be agile and reactive to the next thing coming down the pipe. The wastewater plant monitors water 24 hours a day and is staffed for 14 hours a day, by 14 people, with on-call operators available for the remaining 10 hours each day. Operators regulate and monitor the wastewater processes and ensure the plant complies with regulations while working with laboratory staff who initiate any adjustments.
“I have very good operators. They are the ones making sure all the processes are running smoothly. Operations are supported by a strong maintenance staff that keeps all the equipment running properly,” said Carufel. “I’ll put my staff up against anyone in the state. They are so knowledgeable. They can – and are willing to – fix anything.”
The wastewater plant added a dewatering process in 2021 that Carufel credits with making a significant difference in the plant’s biosolids program efficiency. They have also implemented treatment filter upgrades and put in a new pump station a few years ago.
“We are always looking to better the operation. The regulatory side of things is always changing,” said Carufel. “But we have gotten buy-in from the people working at the plant. They understand what we are doing and why we are doing it. This isn’t the most glamorous job, but it is needed.”
Carufel has worked as Bismarck’s Wastewater Superintendent since 2017 and has been with Public Works since 1999 when he was hired as an operator. Carufel holds certificates in water distribution, water treatment and wastewater treatment.
“Travis has been such a valued and trusted employee with the City of Bismarck for many years,” said Public Works Utility Director Michelle Klose. “He has been instrumental in the procurement and implementation of a variety of capital improvements, and he holds a high standard to the quality and reliable service we provide to the residents of Bismarck.”
This is the 41st Anniversary of the award’s presentation. It was created in 1981 by the North Dakota Department of Health to celebrate the proper operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems and has honored 211 operators and three military units for outstanding service.
The award is based on four criteria:
- Field and inspection reports.
- Compliance with state regulations.
- Participation in the North Dakota Operator Training and Certification Program.
- Participation in the North Dakota Water and Pollution Control Conference, North Dakota Chapter of the American Public Works Association, North Dakota Water Environmental Association and the North Dakota Section of the American Water Works Association.
“This is a pretty cool award,” said Carufel. “I enjoy what I do, I learn something new every day and I enjoy the training part of it and watching operators grow in what they are doing. When you are in management, that is what you want to do: surround yourself with good people.”